I've never seen anybody using an ipod in any triathlon. Maybe in the morning while you're setting up your transition mat, but not during the race. The only races I've ever heard of ipods being allowed are in extreme endurance events such as a 24 hour race.

+1 on not using the iPod/MP3 player. If there's a specific rule, follow it.

I wish MP3 players were banned from most races, including shorter run races. There are way too many people who zone out and go into their own little world during races. With large groups, this can be a real problem when people weave back and forth because they aren't aware of other runners nearby, especially when people are passing.

Aside it being against the rules, but specially with a triathlon as crowded as Nations. It's just plane dangerous. You need to be extremely vigilant while on the bike, because IT IS a mad house. Here is the USAT Rule:

5.8 Illegal Equipment. Any participants who any time uses, wears or carries a headset, radio, headphones, personal audio device, or any other item described in Section 3.4(i) shall be assessed a variable time penalty.

3.4(i) Unauthorized Accessories. No participant shall, at any time during the event, use or wear a hard cast, headset, radio, personal audio device, or any other item deemed dangerous by the Head Referee. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty

Wonder if there are any USAT officials out there but from my experience recently at Luray, some officials are dying to DQ anyone they see with headphones on the run...same goes for fastening the chin strap of your helmet.

In the tri's I been in and the one's I've watched, I've never seen any ipods on any portion of the race. It's pretty clear in the USAT rules. If they will tag you for drafting, they'll certainly tag you for an ipod.